Shoe-attachable containment device

ABSTRACT

The embodiments are directed toward a containment device for attachment to an item of clothing, preferably a shoe. The device comprises a sheet of material folded to form a front portion, a back portion, and a cover piece. The cover piece is connected to one end of the front portion, while the back portion is connected to the other end of the front portion. The cover piece can fold over the distal end of the back portion such that a sleeve is formed wherein an item can be stored. The back portion contains a front surface and a rear surface. The front surface contacts the stored item. The rear surface contains at least one means for attaching the containment device to an item of clothing. The device can also be stitched directly onto an item of clothing.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

This invention was not federally sponsored.

BACKGROUND

The history of shoes dates back to the Ice Ages, when primitive humans used animal skins to protect their feet from both sharp objects on the ground and cold temperatures. From these humble beginnings, more advanced footwear—particularly sandals—flourished in many of the early societies. The first records of decorated footwear come from Ancient Egypt, where women decorated their sandals with jewels.

Over the ensuing centuries, there have been many improvements from the original shoes both in design and decoration, to the point where today, a buyer of shoes can select from a wide range of styles, colors, and materials. There presently exists, however, a need for a means by which a person can safely and conveniently affix various items to a shoe, as well as other items of clothing.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiment of the invention is directed toward a containment device for removable attachment to an item of clothing, preferably a shoe. The containment device comprises a substantially flat sheet of material folded to form a front portion, a back portion joined to one end of the front portion, and a cover piece. The cover piece is joined to one end of the front portion, while the back portion is connected to the other end of the front portion. The cover piece is formed to fold over the distal end of the back portion such that a sleeve is formed wherein an item—a photograph is a particularly preferred iteration of the invention—can be removably stored and protected from water, dirt, and other potentially damaging contaminants. The back portion contains a front surface and a rear surface. The front surface contacts the stored item. The rear surface contains at least one means for attaching the containment device to an item of clothing.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed toward a containment device for attachment to an item of clothing, preferably a shoe. The containment device comprises a substantially flat sheet of material folded to form a front portion, a back portion, and a cover piece. The cover piece is connected to one end of the front portion, while the back portion is connected to the other end of the front portion. The cover piece is formed to fold over the distal end of the back portion, such that, a sleeve is formed wherein an item, such as but not limited to a photograph, team logo, name and insignia of rock band, or other item can be removably stored and protected from water, dirt, and other potentially damaging contaminants. The back portion contains a front surface and a rear surface. The front surface contacts the stored item. The rear surface contains at least one means for attaching the containment device to an item of clothing.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed toward a containment device for attachment to an item of clothing, preferably a shoe. The containment device comprises a back portion and a front portion attached thereto. The back portion and front portion are attached such that an interior region is formed wherein an item can be removably stored therein and protected from water, dirt, and other potentially damaging contaminants. The back portion contains a front surface and a rear surface. The front surface contacts the stored item. The rear surface contains at least one means for attaching the containment device to an item. The means for attachment can be a clip designed to attach around the shoelace of a shoe or to other parts of a shoe, including in between the shoe and a wearer's foot.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, features of the embodiments of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the embodiments of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principals of the embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a front view of the preferred embodiment of the shoe-attachable containment device.

FIG. 2 shows a back view of the preferred embodiment of the shoe-attachable containment device, illustrating the positioning of the adjustment hooks.

FIG. 3 shows a right side view of the preferred embodiment of the shoe-attachable containment device, illustrating the positioning of the protection cover.

FIG. 4 shows a left side view of the preferred embodiment of the shoe-attachable containment device.

FIG. 5 shows a front perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the shoe-attachable containment device attached to a wearer's shoe.

FIG. 6 shows a front view of another embodiment of the shoe-attachable containment device.

FIG. 7 shows a rear view of another embodiment of the shoe-attachable containment device, illustrating the positioning of the attachment clip.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of another embodiment of the shoe-attachable containment device, illustrating the positioning of the attachment clip.

FIG. 9 shows a top perspective view of another embodiment of the shoe-attachable containment device attached to a wearer's shoe.

FIG. 10 shows a side perspective view of another embodiment of the shoe-attachable containment device attached to a wearer's shoe, illustrating how an item is placed within the shoe-attachable containment device.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the shoe-attachable containment device attached to a wearer's shoe.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the shoe-attachable containment device attached to a wearer's shoe, illustrating how an item is placed within the shoe-attachable containment device.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention are not limited in their application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments of the invention are capable of being practiced and carried out in various ways. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein similar parts are identified by like reference numerals, FIGS. 1-4 show a front, left side, right side, and rear view, respectively, of the preferred embodiment of the shoe-attachable containment device for removable attachment to an item of clothing. Containment device can be attached to various items of clothing, including but not limited to: purses, handbags, wallets, jewelry, hair accessories, hats, belts, socks, jackets, pants, dresses, skirts, shirts, and gloves. For illustration of the embodiments however, the features of containment device 10 will be described with respect to attachment to a shoe.

Containment device 10 comprises a substantially flat sheet of material folded to form a front portion 20, a back portion 30, and a cover piece 40. Front portion 20 is preferably comprised of a clear material such that a picture, photograph, painting, business card, credit card, medical identification card, or other thin piece of paper or plastic can be viewed when stored within containment device 10. Cover piece 40 is connected to one end 22 of front portion 20, while back portion 30 is connected to the other end 24 of front portion 20. Cover piece 40 is formed to fold over the distal end 32 of back portion 30 such that an interior region 60 is formed wherein an item (not shown) can be removably stored therein and protected from water, dirt, and other potentially damaging contaminants.

Back portion 30 contains a front surface 34 and a rear surface 36. Front surface 34 contacts the stored item. Rear surface 36 contains at least one means 50 for attaching containment device 10 to an item. Means 50 can be removably attached to rear surface 36. As shown, containment device 10 includes two means 50. Means 50 each comprise an attachment piece 52 fixed to rear surface 36, an attachment member 54 attached to attachment piece 52, and a hook 56 attached to attachment member 54. Attachment member 54 can be a spring, elastic cord, or other adjustable item as would be recognized by one with ordinary skill in the art to allow attachment of containment device 10 to various sized shoes and shoes containing various shoelace patterns and shoe closure patterns (ex: Velcro® straps). Hooks 56 are designed to attach to an item of clothing of a wearer. Preferably, hooks 56 are designed to attach around the shoelace of a shoe. However, hooks 56 can also be attached to other parts of a shoe (see FIG. 5). In another embodiment, hooks 56 can attach directly to attachment piece 52, eliminating the need for attachment member 54.

FIG. 5 shows a front perspective view of containment device 10 attached to a wearer's shoe 70. As shown, containment device 10 is removably attached to the side of shoe 70 via hooks 56 engaging with shoe 70. One hook 56 can be secured to the top border of shoe 70, while the other hook can be attached through a grommet or other opening near the sole of the shoe. Containment device 10 can also be removably attached to the top of shoe 70 over the shoelace 72 via hooks 56 attaching around shoelace 72.

FIGS. 6-8 show a front view, rear view, and side view, respectively, of another embodiment of the shoe-attachable containment device 100. Containment device 100 comprises a back portion 110 and a front portion 120 attached thereto. Back portion 110 and front portion 120 are attached such that an interior region 130 (see FIG. 8) is formed wherein an item (not shown) can be removably stored therein and protected from water, dirt, and other potentially damaging contaminants. Back portion 110 contains a front surface 112 and a rear surface 114. Front surface 112 contacts the stored item. Rear surface 114 contains at least one means 140 for attaching containment device 100 to an item. As shown, means 140 is a clip. Preferably, clip 140 is designed to attach around the shoelace of a shoe (see FIGS. 9, 10). However, clip 140 can also be attached to other parts of a shoe, including in between the shoe and a wearer's foot.

FIG. 9 shows a rear view of containment device 100, attached to a wearer's shoe 150. As shown, containment device 100 is removably attached to shoe 150 via clip 140 engaging with the shoelace (see FIG. 10). Containment device 100 can also be removably attached to the side of shoe 150, between shoe 150 and a wearer's foot (not shown).

FIG. 10 shows a side perspective view of containment device 100 removably attached to shoe 150, illustrating, by arrow 160, how an item 170 is placed within containment device 100. Item 170, shown as a key, can be placed within interior region 130 (see FIG. 8) by being inserted within the opening 180 formed by the meeting of back portion 110 and the top portion of front portion 120.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a containment device 200 attached to a wearer's shoe 250. Containment device 200 includes a back portion 210 and a front portion 220 attached thereto. Back portion 210 and front portion 220 are attached such that an interior region (not shown) is formed wherein an item (not shown) can be removably stored therein and protected from water, dirt, and other potentially damaging contaminants. Back portion 210 contains a front surface and a rear surface (not shown). The front surface contacts the stored item, with the rear surface contacts shoe 250. Back portion 210 can be attached in various ways to shoe 250. Preferably, back portion 210 is attached to shoe 250 via stitched portions 260. In another embodiment, back portion 210 can be formed from shoe 250 with front portion 220 attached to shoe 250 via stitched portions 260, wherein an item is disposed between shoe 250 and front portion 210. Front portion 220 can be stitched directly to the toe cap portion, side portion, or back of shoe 250. Further, in another embodiment back portion 210 can include a sticky substance on the rear surface thereof, wherein back portion 210 can be stuck onto various parts of shoe 250. Additionally, a method of containing an item within

FIG. 12 shows a side view of containment device 200 attached to shoe 250, illustrating, by arrow 260, how an item 270 is placed within containment device 200. Item 270, shown as a picture or card, can be placed within an interior region (not shown) by being inserted within the opening 230 formed by the meeting of back portion 210 and the top portion of front portion 220.

With respect to the above description it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, including variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly, and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents fall within the scope of the present invention.

The above description, together with the advantages of the invention and the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific advantages attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting, as to the scope of the invention in any way. 

1. A containment device for attaching an item to an article of clothing comprising: a) a back portion, the back portion having a front surface, a rear surface, and two ends; b) a front portion joined on one end to one end of the back portion; c) a cover piece joined to the other end of the front portion; and d) at least one means for attachment coupled to the rear surface for attaching the containment device to an article of clothing wherein the cover piece can be positioned over the distal end of the back portion such that the back portion and front portion form an interior region for storing the item therein.
 2. The containment device of claim 1, wherein the means for attachment comprises: a) an attachment piece coupled to the rear surface; b) an attachment member coupled to the attachment piece; and c) an attachment mechanism coupled on one end to the attachment member wherein the other end of the attachment mechanism can attach to the article of clothing, thus securing the containment device to the article of clothing.
 3. The containment device of claim 2, wherein the attachment member is adjustable.
 4. The containment device of claim 2, wherein the attachment mechanism is a hook.
 5. The containment device of claim 1, wherein the means for attachment comprises a clip.
 6. The containment device of claim 1, wherein the means for attachment comprises an adhesive substance.
 7. The containment device of claim 1, wherein the front surface comprises a substantially transparent material.
 8. The containment device of claim 1, wherein the means for attachment is removably coupled to the rear surface.
 9. The containment device of claim 1, wherein the article of clothing is a shoe.
 10. A containment device for attaching an item to an article of clothing comprising: a) a back portion, the back portion having a front surface and a back surface; b) a front portion attached to the front surface such that the back portion and front portion form an interior region for storing the item therein; and c) at least one means for attachment coupled to the back surface for attaching the containment device to an article of clothing.
 11. The containment device of claim 10, wherein the means for attachment comprises a clip.
 12. The containment device of claim 10, wherein the front surface comprises a substantially transparent material.
 13. The containment device of claim 10, wherein the means for attachment is removably coupled to the rear surface.
 14. The containment device of claim 10, wherein the means for attachment comprises: a) an attachment piece coupled to the rear surface; b) an attachment member coupled to the attachment piece; and c) an attachment mechanism coupled on one end to the attachment member wherein the other end of the attachment mechanism can attach to the article of clothing, thus securing the containment device to the article of clothing.
 15. The containment device of claim 14, wherein the attachment member is adjustable.
 16. The containment device of claim 10, wherein the front surface comprises a substantially transparent material.
 17. The containment device of claim 10, wherein the article of clothing is a shoe.
 18. A method for containing an item within an article of clothing comprising the steps of: a) providing a substantially flat surface; and b) attaching the substantially flat surface to a region of an article of clothing such that the substantially flat surface and the article of clothing form an interior region with an opening for storing the item therein.
 19. The method for containing an item within an article of clothing of claim 18, wherein the article of clothing is a shoe and the step of attaching the substantially flat surface to a region of an article of clothing includes stitching the substantially flat surface to the region of an article of clothing.
 20. The method for containing an item within an article of clothing of claim 18, wherein the substantially flat surface is transparent. 